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Camp Ekon puts focus on community building

LAKE JOSEPH, ONT.—Building a strong community starts with children and is the goal at Camp Ekon where young people are reaching their leadership potential while having fun surrounded by the beauty of nature.

It happens every day at the camp where looking out for the little guy and carrying the heavy load are words to live by.

Erica Morgan, 17, left, and Bridget Hickey, 15, have taken on more responsibility as leaders-in-training and role models at Camp Ekon. (LESLIE FERENC / TORONTO STAR)

“We want them to think of others first,” said Ekon’s executive director Father John Sullivan. “Even small, everyday gestures make a difference and make a stronger community.”

Jesuit in philosophy, Roman Catholic in tradition and public in service, the camp is open to all faiths and culture because there are no boundaries when it comes to leadership, said camp director Meg Doherty. “At camp, the community is very accepting of each other.”

It starts early at camp where children like Daniel Smart-Reed learn that respect for others, kindness and caring can lighten someone’s load. Daniel’s budding leadership qualities came to the fore this summer when a friend got homesick. The 12-year-old took time out from the fun and games to talk to his buddy, reassuring him that his family wanted him to have the best time ever. And he stuck by him until the blues turned to laughter and happiness “That’s what happens at camp,” said Daniel who loves camp “because I get to do things I don’t normally do.” That’s the big attraction for the tween who enjoys camp crafts and learning survival skills, conquering the ropes course, windsurfing and other waterfront activities.

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This summer is his third at Ekon and he came prepared, packing a camouflage suit, mask and all for the camp-wide games. He blends into the forest making him hard to catch. Daniel is already thinking about becoming a leader-in-training and a counsellor. “I think you have to be friendly and fun to be around and you can’t be bossy,” he said. “And you have to remind people to be on task and do what they need to do.”

Bridget Hickey was a camper for four years and this summer has become a junior leader-in-training. Camp LITs and counsellors were people she looked up to and she wants to give back as a role model to the younger children. Bridget also wants kids to have the same great experiences she’s had at Ekon, which has always been an unforgettable escape from the city. The memories she’s made there will last forever.

Recently, she returned from a canoe trip with campers helping them portage, set up tents, campfires and experience life in the wilderness.

“We have the bigger load now.” she said of the responsibilities that come with leadership. Bridget put her skills to work when one camper wanted to go home. Like a good friend, Bridget helped her through the unhappiness.

“I encouraged her to finish the trip and told her that it would be awesome, “ said Bridget. Her magic touch worked and the camper continued. “It was so rewarding knowing I helped her,” Bridget said adding it built up her confidence as well as the young camper’s. “I had a big responsibility. It was up to me and I feel really good knowing I helped someone who needed it.”

It’s the same self-confidence Erica Morgan has developed at Ekon. She’s at camp for her eighth summer, this time as a senior LIT. The 17-year-old keeps coming back because of the warm atmosphere and the people. “Everyone is so friendly and there’s a relaxing feeling here where you can be at ease . . . It’s never occurred to me not to come to camp.”

As a young camper, Erica said Ekon is a place where she felt she belonged. “I was part of something . . . where I was included, and where I could challenge myself. I made so many memories at Camp Ekon.”

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She’s making new ones and learning new skills as a senior LIT including how to resolve conflict and different ways to approach situations to help settle differences. “Qualities a good leader should have are respect for others, patience, empathy and to be able to encourage others — to pick people up not push them down.”

What she learns at camp, Erica puts to work back home. “I find I have greater appreciation for family and I’m very aware of putting others first,” she said. Erica is passing her skills on to those who are following in her footsteps., leading by example. “As a camper, I looked up to my counsellors and wanted to be just like them, to be awesome and fun and improve myself.”

With your gift, the Fresh Air Fund can help send 25,000 disadvantaged and special needs children to camp. If you have benefitted from the Fresh Air Fund or have a story to tell, email lferenc@thestar.ca or phone 416-869-4309.

Goal: $650,000

To date: $560,762.

How to donate: With your gift, the Fresh Air Fund can help send 25,000 disadvantaged and special needs children to camp. The experience gives these children much more than relief from summer heat — it gives these children a break in life and memories to last a lifetime. Our target is $650,000.

By cheque: Mail to The Toronto Star Fresh Air Fund, One Yonge St., Toronto, ON M5E 1E6

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